Since 1910, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has inspired curiosity and learning about the natural world and our place in it.

12/07/2010

Recognizing Our Peers

Today the Museum held its annual Peer Recognition Awards ceremony - a time-honored tradition to recognize our colleagues for their exemplary dedication, talent, and service. One past recipient is Officer James McGrath, who is featured on the timeline of our Centennial website. Check out his story below and then browse the timeline for more NMNH stories and history!

Image courtesy of Smithsonian Institution.

Officer James McGrath of the National Museum of Natural History, Protection Services, offers stickers to visitors who enter his No. 20 Elevator in the Constitution Avenue lobby of the Museum. He starts the day with a roll of 2,150 smiley face stickers, as well as lady bugs, fish and American flags - on an average day, he gives away 800. His record is 1,800 in one day. Children, parents, even senior citizens, have their day brightened by his smile, jokes and cheery stickers. Indeed, Museum Director Cristián Samper has two of Officer McGrath's stickers - of fish - on his Museum ID badge. Officer McGrath is a retired lawyer from Kansas City, Missouri, who was awarded a bronze star in World War II.